When someone tells me what key a song is in, I expect them to tell me concert key.

If they tell me Bb and I have the tenor sax in my hand, I know it's C. If I have the alto in my hand, I know it's G.

The chords in the song are definitely related to the key, and sometimes in a song there is an implied key change (not noted in the key signature); the chords and/or accidentals in the notation will either give you a clue or outright tell you.

Matt gave you the advice on how to transpose the display for your instrument.

However, I've been to a lot of jam sessions, especially jazz jams where they put a concert chart in front of you. I predominantly play tenor (Bb instrument) so I have to sight transpose by adding 2 sharps (or subtracting 2 flats) and playing everything a whole step higher.

I can't sight-transpose on the Eb alto, but if it was my primary sax, I'd learn that one too.

If you don't play a C instrument, this is a very useful skill to acquire. You don't have to do it in a day or two, but try a little at a time, with simple songs first, and after a while it gets to feel comfortable.

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Bob "Notes" Norton smile Norton Music
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